Removable Hatch Cover With Mechanical Interlock Seal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for covering emergency exit hatches in aircraft are inefficient, as they require workers to climb ladders and use adhesive tapes, which can be unreliable in windy or rainy conditions and are aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A removable cover system that can be installed from within the aircraft cabin, using retractable tabs or adjustable projections to secure the cover in place, creating a watertight seal without the need for external adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thick plastic sheet is positioned on the exterior skin and adhered with adhesive tape, then the hatch is covered to prevent precipitation or debris from entering, but the method requires workers to climb ladders, is unreliable in windy conditions, and is aesthetically displeasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of cover adhesionVSAvoidease of cover installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by installing the cover from the interior side of the aircraft skin rather than the exterior. The cover includes protrusions that engage with recesses in the interior skin surface, allowing installation without external adhesives or workers climbing ladders. This inversion resolves the contradiction by providing reliable attachment through mechanical engagement while simplifying installation from the accessible interior side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the adhesive tape mechanical system with a mechanical engagement system consisting of protrusions and recesses. This substitution eliminates the need for adhesives that fail in windy conditions and provides more reliable attachment. The mechanical interlocking mechanism ensures the cover remains securely attached during aircraft operation while allowing easy installation and removal from the interior side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If adhesive tape is used to secure the plastic sheet, then the cover can be attached without complex mechanisms, but the attachment is unreliable in windy or rainy conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of cover mechanismVSAvoidreliability of cover attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive tape system with a mechanical engagement system featuring protrusions on the cover that fit into recesses in the aircraft skin. This mechanical interlocking provides reliable attachment that is not affected by wind or rain, while maintaining relatively simple device complexity. The protrusion-recess mechanism is more dependable than adhesive tape in adverse weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed with a curved outer surface that conforms to the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft skin. This curvature allows the cover to integrate smoothly with the aircraft exterior while the protrusions provide secure mechanical engagement. The curved design maintains aerodynamic flow and provides reliable attachment without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If a plastic sheet is taped to the exterior skin, then the hatch is covered, but the appearance is aesthetically displeasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cover implementationVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of covered hatch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with a curved outer surface that matches the aerodynamic contour of the aircraft skin. This curved design integrates aesthetically with the aircraft exterior, eliminating the displeasing appearance of flat taped sheets. The curvature allows smooth airflow and visual integration while maintaining ease of manufacture through molding processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

By installing the cover from the interior side with protrusions engaging recesses in the skin, the cover can be precisely positioned and contoured to match the exterior aerodynamic shape. This inversion allows for better aesthetic integration compared to externally applied taped sheets, while the cover remains easily manufacturable as a single molded piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS12214858B2Removable cover for hatch

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Removable covers and methods for covering emergency exit hatches are provided. An exemplary method includes removing the emergency exit enclosure from a hatch in a wall; pushing a removable cover from an interior of the wall into the hatch; and securing the removable cover in the hatch from the interior of the wall.